Consult Austalia

Have you seen the latest Pulse Update by James and Kristy? They chat about about our Federal Budget Submission. Remember that all past Pulse Updates as well as Policy Chats with guests are available for members on our policy podcast page.

#people #pipeline #practice #procurement

Previously, Infrastructure Australia (IA) and Consult Australia partnered in a cross-industry survey to understand the current and future impact of COVID-19 on organisations and workforces helping deliver infrastructure around Australia. IA has shared the results with us (here and here) and we are once again partnering to promote completion of the survey. The results and the new survey call for participation have been sent to the primary contacts across our membership. Thank you to all members that continue to participate in this important work, which will be shared across governments, and support the development of the Australian Infrastructure Plan and advice in responding to COVID-19 in this context.

23 November 2020

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The Environment and Engineering Branch of Defence are hosting webinars to inform industry partners as well as Defence staff on the application of a range of topics including:

• smart infrastructure
  
• UXO management policy and manual
• aeronautical ground lighting
• site selection process

Each webinar is designed to inform but also to engage, with time for questions.  Consult Australia members are encouraged to join the webinars, or view past webinars made available on Defence's website here. 

20 November 2020

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Our next SME Open Forum will be on 2 December 2020 - your chance to video chat direct with Consult Australia's Board President, CEO and Policy Team. We are looking forward to discussing any and all concerns and questions from our SME members. We are also keen to hear your views on what our 2021 priorities should be. If you didn't see the email invite, contact Karen for more details.

20 November 2020

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The 2020-21 Federal Budget was last week handed down by the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg. One area that may be of interest to members is the new JobMaker hiring credits, with this factsheet providing more information.  We also released a summary of the budget for members from our review on the night - this is available at our member-only policy briefing notes.  Let James know if you have any questions.

13 October 2020

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Despite concerns, from us and other stakeholders, legislation for the Job-ready graduates package has now passed Parliament. This change reduces the overall ‘combined maximum funding’ for many STEM degrees relevant to our members, such as engineering. The Senate vote went down to Stirling Griff (SA’s Centre Alliance), who we directly contacted to share our concerns. However, the Senator’s support was secured through an agreement for bespoke concessions for Adelaide-based universities. Our submissions on the legislation are here and here. We will now turn our attention to the design of the package’s National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund to advocate for this to offset some of our concerns.  

12 October 2020

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We recently made a submission to Infrastructure Australia on the 2021 infrastructure reform plan currently under development. This submission is the result of two member workshops with Infrastructure Australia, and includes nine reform recommendations ranging from the procurement strategy for project proposals to career pathways into the industry. Let James know if you have any questions.

12 October 2020

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In response to current COVID-19 impacts on our industry, we believe it is timely to reinvigorate our Mental Health Ambassador Network and are on the lookout for more ambassadors. 

Are you a senior leader from a member firm with a genuine interest in understanding the mental health challenges being experienced across our industry?  Do you have the gravitas and influence to bring about real change? If so, read more here.

12 October 2020

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Members are encouraged to have a look at the new range of Briefing Notes relevant to contract terms:  

• Fitness for Purpose - both Client and Member Briefing Notes
• Proportionate Liability - Client Briefing Note
• Security/Bank Guarantees - Client Briefing Note

Member Briefing Notes are for members to use within their businesses to increase understanding of the relevant topic. Client Briefing Notes are for members to share with their clients as a knowledge-sharing tool. 

Would like other contract issues covered? Let Kristy know!

30 September 2020

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The results of our second Industry Health Check (September 2020) are available here.  These highlight a slight pick-up in work for some areas since our last survey in May 2020, however the average downturn is still a concern.  The results also highlight significant impacts from the stage 4 business restrictions in Victoria.

21 September 2020

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Don't forget to check the state/territory news pages for the latest on local issues including government engagement, reforms and priorities; ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA.

Also, stay informed of the latest priorities and opportunities to participate in our roundtables and working groups.

#people #pipeline #practice #procurement